and in particular the blessings that we have to be members of the department of defense family. someone, someone asked me the other day, kind of reflecting on the job of secretary of defense, what's the toughest part of this job, and what's the most memorable part of this job? and for me it comes down to the men and women who serve this country in the uniform. the toughest part of this job is to have to take the time to write notes to the families of those that have lost loved ones in war. and it's tough because as the father of three sons, recognizing the pain that that family must feel for the loss of a loved one is something that leaves a deep impact on me. and the ability to kind of take the time to write a few words of comfort and there, as all of you know, there are no words that you can find that can do justice to pain that's involved here, but for each one i try to write a note that not only expresses, obviously, my sorrow, but also says that their loved one loved, loved them, loved their family, loved this country and gave their life for all today loved. for all they lo